14 April 2010

I was reading Sandi's blog The Whistlestop Cafe and was reminded of something I knew all along, but sometimes forget, that my blog does not have to be all about cuisine that is new, different or gourmet. I do love to experiment but the original concept of MTBT was to share those comforting dishes with my family and friends. Sandi's niece was looking for a family favourite recipe for Chicken Casserole and Sandi realized she had never posted it...until now. I was also reminded that it is not quite summer and before barbecuing becomes a daily occurance I need to revisit some of my own comfort foods. It had me thinking that there are recipes I have never posted here on MTBT. Food that I share with you is not always gourmet but what about those recipes that bring back treasured food memories.

Comfort foods like soup and stew are foods that nourish the soul as well as our bodies. They tend to be foods that remind us of simpler times. They are familiar, simple foods. When sick, or tired, or far from home, everyone seems to yearn for the gastronomic equivalent of a warm sweater, a kiss on the forehead, a favourite blanket. While homemade meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes, creamy and satisfying macaroni and cheese and shepherd's pie have been staples for me, for some of us comfort food may include a delicious gooey lasagna, a curry, borscht or udon noodles.

But comfort food can also be a food that remind us of a special event or a time in our lives that holds a special place in our hearts. When I was 19, only a few short years ago, wink...wink....I spent a month travelling around the province of Newfoundland. I stopped in Cornerbrook for a while and found a little hole- in- the- wall where I ordered a cheeseburger and fries. The fries were the ultimate, but, the hamburger was a loose meat concoction a bun with all my favourite toppings. I thought about it a moment and realized I loved it more than the classic hamburger!! It was my first introduction to a loose meat sandwich and I didn't even know it.

Growing up in Southern Ontario I had never heard of this iconic sandwich. I was reminded when Roseanne Connor (Barr) and her fictional sister Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf) during the 1992 season of her show Roseanne pooled their money together to open a coffee shop. The fictional restaurant was The Lanford Lunch Box that specialized in loose-meat sandwiches. It dawned on me like being hit by a mack truck that I had tried this simple dish before many years ago at the little hole-in-the-wall and could now put a name to it.

The loosemeat sandwich or sometimes called the Tavern Sandwich was created in 1924 at Ye Old Tavern in Sioux City, Iowa. But what sandwich doesn't come with a little controversy because Mait Rite was making the same sandwich 8 years earlier on a steamed bun. From my research this is somewhat of an iconic recipe in the Midwestern United States. The sandwich is well known throughout the state, and is served not only at the local Tastee-in-and-Outs, but also at fast food restaurants like Dairy Queen and Dairy Dandy. One of the most famous would be the Maid Rite which has come to represent the loosemeat sandwich like Kleenex represents facial tissue.

Similar to a hamburger (despite the consistency of the meat) or a sloppy joe (without the tomato sauce), the loosemeat sandwich is served throughout the Midwest, but specifically in the state of Iowa. A loosemeat is a sloppy joe without the slop-so stay away from anything tomato-ey! These little sandwiches remind me of my early travels so brings back some wonderful memories so I have adopted them as a quick and easy weekday recipe.

This is the original recipe that I found on-line for loosemeat sandwiches that were served in the Midwest so start there. I cannot account for changes or differences in flavour from other regions of the country, east or west. Some people add beer, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to make them their own. I encourage you to try the original recipe at least once and then add your own flavour the next time you make it...and there will be a next time!!

In so many ways comfort foods brings people together. As a teenager travelling in the maritime province of Canada I had no idea these little sandwiches I tried in a little unassuming take-out place were so loved and bring such happiness to people. I've been so touched by the messages I've read from folks who've tried this recipe and then shared their memories.

Try this original recipe as found exactly as is on this forum. They suggest to serve it with chips or potato salad but I served it with a broccoli salad. I have to get my bit of healthy in there:D

This sandwich has been a "fantasy" food of mine (never seen nor tasted) ever since that _Roseanne_ episode! Will definitely try this. Hope the real deal lives up to the fantasy. ;) Thanks for posting the recipe!

I think sometimes we as bloggers get so caught up in trying to wow our readers that we forget about the simple things. Simple doesn't mean not delicious! These look mouthwatering. Good down-to-earth food.

I never heard of loose meat or tavern sandwiches and as I was reading the post and got to the part about Crisco or lard, I immediately thought about substituting it with olive oil. And then I arrived at your asterisk. Oh, well, we won't be eating it every day...will we?

You are so right Val, I think we as foodies sometimes forget that many of our readers are on entry level when it comes to cooking....and we lose them somewhere. This is the kind of food they want to see...Great meal!!!

A fabulous 'history' Val. Funny thing, I've been thinking about a sloppy joe recently but now I'm thinking loose meat ;-) Really gourmet is lovely but then there's just good and that can be just as over the top as gourmet in a different way.

Ahhh, comfort food is the best! No stress when cooking it (you know all by heart and are confident with the results), you know what you will eat and yes, most of the times you are surrounded by those whom you love.

I love this loose meat burger and of course, your home baked buns look outstanding! I used to work at taco bell and one of my favorite things was the taco burger. It had loose meat as well. When I saw your burger it took me back to my late teens for just a moment. ;)

I'm sure you've heard of Cuban picadillo, right? Sometimes, when I want to switch up the meal, I'll make a sandwich out of it, instead of having with rice! Nice looking samich, here, girlfriend!! Like that side salad, too.

Growing up in southern Illinois, we had a little whole in the wall in a tiny town that was legendary for it's Maid Rites. I always thought that Roseann Barr must have been there, but it sounds like there were many places to try it, and I always thought it was a southern Illinois original. I;ll have to try your version on my home made buns.

Oh, yes, where I grew up Maid Rites,never had mustard on the bun. They lightly toasted the bun and then lightly pressed the top bun in the juice before topping the sandwich and wrapping them up in a grease paper wrapper.It was the only thing on the menu except for potato chips or french fries and cole slaw.

Nothing beats delicious comfort food prepared with love. That sandwich looks yummy! I bet it tastes great. I feel nostalgic, just thinking about my mom's home made delis that just makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Hoping to taste that loosemeat sandwich!

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 12 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.